Let’s make one thing clear; the words “just” and “ cancer” should never be linked in the same sentence.  But due to the fact that basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas are 98 percent treatable and unlikely to spread through the body, many people think melanoma is “just” skin cancer and thus tend to delay having a dermatologist check changes in their skin or moles.  That misnomer can be deadly. Melanoma is not like other skin cancers. It is a beast within itself; extremely aggressive, moving beyond the skin, often spreading to other parts of the body. Consider this: melanoma is the cause of most skin cancer deaths, claiming one life every 50 minutes.

The risk is especially high in adolescents and young adults where melanoma is more aggressive and invasive than in older patients. https://bit.ly/37HGxyH.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found if a young person develops any form of skin cancer – it is almost always melanoma.In fact diagnosis of melanoma in adolescents and young adults has jumped 253% in the last 40 years.  Melanoma doesn’t wait for COVID. It doesn’t wait until for a convenient time in your schedule.  Early detection is the key. Listen to that wise voice in your head. If you notice any changes in your skin, make an appointment with a qualified dermatologist immediately. Learn more about the differences between skin cancer and melanoma from Dermatologist and Claire Marie Medical Advisor, Dr. Diane Orlinsky, M.D., F.A.A.D. https://vimeo.com/470036400

Take care of your skin. Take care of you. Be aware; because awareness saves lives.